Even if Claire heard the information, people have their own senses of values.
I'm not a noble, nor do I hold an important office in any country.
Even if she hears that I am the underling of some warrior who she only knows is called the Dragon God, she wouldn't really understand.
Even if I say I have connections with Ariel, she wouldn't know how close a relationship we hold.
She may think I'm simply a powerless person borrowing someone else's authority.
From the view of Claire's common sense, I may not have any merit.
"The Latreia house's Claire-dono certainly sometimes stresses pedigree too much... Thinking of it that way, it may be possible..."
The Pope thought while stroking his beard, and nodded.
"Well, I suppose it's fine. There is the saying 'nothing ventured, nothing gained', after all. Then, Rudeus-dono... what can you do, specifically?"
What can I do, huh?
In other words, he probably means [How far are you willing to go].
Basically, how strong my sincerity is.
"Let's see..."
What came to mind is what I suddenly thought of yesterday.
The plan I suddenly thought of that was naturally shot down.
However, it's a possibility.
"I could do something like kidnapping the miko-sama."
As soon as he heard those words, Cliff cried out.
"Kidnapping!? What the hell are you saying, Rudeus!?"
"Basically, I'm saying I can strike at the vitals of the anti-Demon Race faction."
"That's not it! If you go through with this you may completely destroy the Latreia house! You're saying that you intend to destroy your own house!"
I slowly turned to face Cliff.
"I have nothing to do with that house."
I turned my gaze away from the speechless Cliff.
The Pope had a smile on his face.
"Of course, that's only in terms of what I'm willing to do for your eminence. If I wanted to, I could reduce a town to ashes or make a forest into a vacant lot."
I lay out all my cards.
However, the Pope stroked his beard again.
It may seem like too good of a story for him.
He may think that it's someone's trap.
I don't mind if you're cautious of me.
At the very least, I don't have a hidden agenda.
I'm only thinking of saving Zenith.
"I'm against this!"
Cliff suddenly cried out.
"Kidnapping is a crime. No matter how much they are opposed to you, Grandfather, if you step in, the situation can be resolved!"
"..."
"Rudeus, you as well! Why would you want to stoop to their level!? This isn't like you... isn't the blood rushing to your head?"
Blood rushing to my head?
That's certainly the case.
I'm completely fed up with Claire's way of doing things.
I'm angry at Claire Latreia.
It's a miracle that I haven't resorted to violence.
If it wasn't Zenith, I wouldn't be this enraged.
When Eris was wounded by the North Emperor or Roxy was almost killed by the Death God, I wasn't infuriated.
They had determination.
They followed me of their own will, and had resolve.
If they ended up dying, I would certainly mourn.
I would respect their will, and grieve over their lack of strength.
However, currently Zenith doesn't have that determination.
When we were called over by the letter, I took her along without her saying whether or not she will go.
On top of that, she may be wed to some man she doesn't know and made to bear his children.
If, for argument's sake, Zenith had that determination, and came here of her own will, the story would be different.
If in refusal she fought and lost, and ended up like that. That I could still pardon.
Although I say 'pardon', I only meant that [I wouldn't become enraged].
If it came to that, feelings that would make me want to kill myself would enter my heart.
Something other than wrath.
Misery, or some other sort of sense of helplessness.
Rather than anger, a much more bitter emotion.
That's right.
I want to give Claire those feelings.
It's your fault the miko was kidnapped.
After being blamed and told to take responsibility, a troubled and helpless Claire.
I want to see that.
In short, I want revenge.
... I'm despicable, aren't I.
"Rudeus, it's not too late, you can still talk this over with them. If you want I could be there with you."
"Cliff-senpai..."
"The Latreia house offered to help you search for your mother, didn't they? That should have been out of consideration for your mother and sisters. Couldn't it be that in this case you are simply misunderstanding each other, and if you share your thoughts with each other you can come to an understanding?"